Sara and Lara’s “Hand-Woven” Baskets: Organic Produce from Sara’s Farm to your Kitchen Table

by: Maria Zaky

Growing up with her family on a farm in Switzerland, Sara-Kristina Hanning Nour was accustomed to the beauty of nature and the fresh produce. When she came to Egypt to pursue her master’s degree in organic farming at Cairo University, she envisioned her new dream.

When she settled in Egypt and had her first daughter “Lara”, Sara, with her Swiss farming background, realized that the Egyptian crops are the best in the world. Yet, the Egyptians do not have access to it because of the chemicals that are added to the veggies and fruits. Sara said that the produce is not always as good on the inside as it appears on the outside and that the Egyptians had the right to buy vegetables from a trustworthy source. That inspired Sara to start her farming business, and with her Swiss experience and Egyptian farming wisdom, she was sure that it would be a success.

In January 2014, “Sara and Lara’s Baskets”, Egypt’s first farm-to-table delivery, was established. They deliver weekly shipments of organic, seasonal produce to Cairo and Alexandria all in locally hand-woven, eco-friendly baskets. Also, Sara’s fresh products can be found in some stores around Cairo such as the Nun center in Zamalek, Gourmet, NGS Nature’s Market Stores in Zamalek, Sunny supermarket, BESTWAY Supermarket, and Carrefour. The basket contains veggies, fruits, herbs, honey, and eggs.

“People appreciate our – transparency; they love to know more about their food. People no longer just eat; they need to know where their food was grown and what has gone into the process of creating the food” mentioned Sara. In five years, Sara not only hopes to be a leader in the Egyptian organic fruit and vegetable’s market, but to also proceed on making an impact. She hopes to raise awareness about the benefits of organic and natural produce and build an ever-growing healthy organic mindset. “We are so proud to say that we are soon extending outside Egypt”, said Sara. Sara was one of six international winners of The Cartier Women’s Initiative awards selected by an independent global jury from almost 1,900 female entrants in 120 countries. The awards are open to for-profit businesses run by women who are working to make a strong social impact. The prizes are split into regional categories covering MENA, Latin America, North America, Europe, and Sub-Saharan Africa. Sara was the only woman chosen in the whole MENA region. “The award gave me a boost to go on to the next level”, added Sara. Declaring that everything inside the farm is ecologically sound, environmentally friendly and believing that people have the right to know how and where the products grow, tours at Sara’s farm can now be booked through their website. Such tours include picnics with family and friends and having some of Sara’s vegetarian snacks and freshly baked bread and dips. Sara’s idea has been trying to contribute to bettering the society. No idea is ever too small to make a big difference and have a huge impact on our planet. “My advice to young women who would want to leave a mark is to go for it, if you have an idea, just give it your all,” said Sara. Maybe now is your time to contribute to building a better environment with a small ecofriendly idea of your own by making healthier choices and taking more environment friendly daily decisions.

“We are so proud to say that we are soon extending outside Egypt”, said Sara.

Preserving the environment starts with one choice.

People no longer just eat; they need to know where their food was grown and what has gone into the process of creating the food” Sara asserted.